Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Tuesday’s racing coming your way from Hereford, Thirsk and Southwell on 8 April 2024.
HEREFORD
Race 1 No5 PEP TALKING
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: James Davies
PEP TALKING raised his game with a clear-cut success when switched to fences at Huntingdon and can take full advantage of the 12lb he receives from the consistent Famoso in this two miles novices’ handicap chase. The six-year-old should find this similarly easy track to his liking, and has done well since getting off the mark.
Race 3 No2 SUPASUNRISE
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Finn Lambert
SUPASUNRISE has troubled the judge on both visits to this course during the current campaign. He’s been partnered by Lambert on all but one of his last 13 outings and the combination should give recent winners The Scorpion King and Jack Doyen plenty to think about.
Race 6 No1 EL GRANJERO (Nap)
Trainer: C Boultbee-Brooks – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
EL GRANJERO has his tail up after a convincing first success over jumps at this course two weeks ago. He stretches out in trip for a first handicap assignment which should also prove successful.
THIRSK
Race 4 No3 MATTELLA
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
MATTELLA can prove a deserving winner of this sprint handicap after taking home a cheque on each of her five starts on the all-weather. The Mattmu mare has worked well on grass at home, and can provide a winner for a trainer who has a good record with his sprinters at this track.
Race 6 No2 SEA THE DREAM (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Connor Beasley
SEA THE DREAM has been gelded since taking away minor cheques in handicaps at Doncaster and Haydock last September. The gelded son of German Derby winner Sea The Moon should enjoy the forecast cut in the ground, and make it a winning reappearance.
Race 8 No5 HIGHFIELD VIKING (Each Way)
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Jason Hart
HIGHFIELD VIKING proved disappointing when making no show on his return to action at Chelmsford but finds himself in a different place now switched to turf and with blinkers added. He’s perfectly capable of leaving that underwhelming run a long way behind.
SOUTHWELL
Race 4 No1 STREAK LIGHTNING (Each Way)
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: James Sullivan
STREAK LIGHTNING failed to justify strong support on his first outing at Newcastle but put in a more encouraging run when a close third behind Danielsflyer at the same course last month. That should have put the cutting edge on this flashy individual, who is well-treated and perfectly drawn for only his second visit to this track.
Race 5 No2 GRESSINGTON (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
GRESSINGTON has the points on the board courtesy of a debut success over the course and distance last September. He ran well in defeat under a penalty on his only other outing and can produce further progression with the benefit of a gelding operation. Imperial Express could be the one to follow him home.
Race 7 No5 SOCIALIST AGENDA
Trainer: Laura Morgan – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
SOCIALIST AGENDA put in a rare blip on his latest start at Wolverhampton but can bounce back now returned to a course where he earned on each of his three previous outings. Added to his claims is the arrival of leading AW pilot Rossa Ryan into his saddle.
